deerstalker

https://blackgirlnerds.com/interviewing-the-cast-of-the-upshaws-theyre-just-like-our-family/

BGN interviews Kim Fields (Regina), Mike Epps (Benny), and Wanda Sykes (Lucretia) for the Netflix series The Upshaws.

Bennie Upshaw (Mike Epps), the head of a Black working-class family in Indianapolis, is a charming, well-intentioned mechanic and lifelong mess just trying his best to step up and care for his family — wife Regina (Kim Fields), their two young daughters (Khali Daniya-Renee Spraggins, Journey Christine) and firstborn son (Jermelle Simon), the teenage son (Diamond Lyons) he fathered with another woman (Gabrielle Dennis) — and tolerate his sardonic sister-in-law (Wanda Sykes), all without a blueprint for success. But the Upshaws are determined to make it work, and make it to the next level, together.

Interviewer: Jeandra LeBeauf

Video Editor: Jamie Broadnax

The Upshaws premieres Wed May 12th on Netflix.

http://geekbabyclothes.com/best-anime-baby-shower-gifts-and-ideas/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=best-anime-baby-shower-gifts-and-ideas

We’ve got you covered with the best anime-themed baby shower gift ideas, decorations, and party games that will surely be a sensation for commemorating their bundle of joy’s arrival!

Baby Showers are exciting gatherings for parents to celebrate with friends and families the upcoming addition to their family. Nerdy Baby Showers allow parents to express themselves and showcase their geek-loving lifestyle. This celebration can be totally action-packed with joyous activities and decorations inspired by your favorite Anime! This article is curated for awesome and creative ideas for anime-themed baby showers from invitations, decorations, games, and of course gifts. Whether you are hosting the baby shower or the one attending, there are many ideas that will be helpful!  What are the best gifts to bring if you are invited to a baby shower where you know that the family has a deep fondness of Anime and kawaii culture? Also, if you are hosting or the one planning a baby shower, what are the best decorations and party games to have that are in the theme of Japanese animation?

How To Choose The Right Anime Theme

Depending on the theme of the baby shower and the interest of the parents, there are many anime series that can be included in an Anime Baby Shower-themed gathering. Pokemon is always a popular choice and has many baby-related merchandise and decorations. Studio Ghibli is very well-loved with its many films and characters that have whimsical and nostalgic vibes to it. Sanrio has many characters that are gender-inclusive and always trendy and sentimental with families alike. There are other popular series too, such as Sailor Moon and Dragon Ball Z, with precious characters that can be incorporated with the baby shower’s theme. 

If specific series and characters aren’t exactly what is desired, why not go for a Cherry Blossom-themed party? Sakura trees, also known as Cherry Blossoms, are very popular in Anime and Japanese culture. Some of the best scenes in Anime are of the beautiful dreamy pink floral trees. Although only bloomed during a short period in the Spring season, Cherry Blossoms are a gorgeous and elegant idea any time of the year!

Gift Ideas To Excite Any Anime Fanatic

Please don’t stress when purchasing a baby shower gift. It’s easy to put a lot of pressure on yourself when choosing that perfect gift. Take a deep breath. First, check out our best anime baby clothes list. That’s a great place to start, make sure you purchase a size no smaller than 3-6 months, we recommend 6 months or 6-12 months. Babies grow fast. If clothes aren’t something you’re interested in then check out our anime nursery ideas. There’s nothing wrong with talking to the expecting parents and getting something they want, especially if they have a registry. We listed a few other ideas below for those of you who are super anxious.

Baby Shower Invitations To Impress Everyone

Baby shower invitations are the most important piece of planning the celebration. After all, without guests, there’s no party. We’ve listed a few ideas below for inviting friends and family to the best anime baby shower possible. Just remember if you’re going to mail them you’ll need to purchase postage stamps. Finally, if you’re on a strict budget and just trying to spend money on the most essential things a newborn baby need then consider sending digital invites.

Baby Shower Decorations

There are two ways you can go about picking out decor. You can make it simple with just a few small decorations that are strategically placed for guests to adore. Or you can completely over do it and turn the anime-themed baby shower into a magical immersive experience that’s straight out of an amusement park. There’s no right or wrong here so it’s completely up to you. We just recommend having a budget set and sticking to it so you don’t break the bank.

Activity Ideas

You’ve invited all the right people, bought all the decor, and now you just need to plan some activities or games to complete the perfect anime-themed baby shower. Having a good mix of easy-to-play games and captivating activities can be frustrating. Your goal should be to make it as inclusive as possible, but remember you can’t make everyone happy all the time. We’ve listed a few ideas below to help you on your way.

The post Best Anime Baby Shower Gifts and Ideas appeared first on Geek Baby Clothes.

https://blacknerdproblems.com/die-16-review/

Writer: Kieron Gillen / Artist: Stephanie Hans / Image

I have reviewed every single issue of Die that has come out. I can’t say that about a lot of series, especially the longer running chronicles, but Die is just the pinnacle of multi-genre speculative fiction. Die is one of the best horrors, best fantasies, best psychological thrillers, best isekai, best literary fanfiction, best game-based piece of media ever. Not just comic, any piece of media. And as Die enters its final arc, the epic conclusion to the emotionally devastating game that has been unfolding for nearly three years, I’m going down with the ship. Which is an apt phrase considering where the party finds themselves.

In the aftermath of the “The Great Games” arc, the party has made it to yet another pocket world in the pocket world and their journey is far from over. Hans is just aggressively good with her artwork, making the full-page spreads sing and the multi-paneled pages a visually engrossing tour de force. Her sense of scale, impeccable. Her characters, expressive and iconic. Her fantasy vision of Gillen’s nightmare hellscape, a match made in the aforementioned hellscape which is exactly what you want.

Gillen is a master of exposition and dialog. This issue, he flexes how much he loves seafaring tales and pirates, and I love him for it. And then he also explains all of the intervening geopolitical drama that happened before getting back to the #$@%’ed up interpersonal relationships of the party without missing a beat.

Die #16 manages to retain all of the twisted darkness that the series in known for and still manages to pull surprises out of the back pocket that just make perfect sense within the context of the world. Gillen’s a brilliant writer and gamemaster who has very carefully planted seeds through the narrative, and now they’re not only growing, they’re exploding into sprawling kudzu that complicates and enthralls you. It’s one of my favorite comics because of its sheer ambitions and continually high bar of execution.

Die is coming to an end, and all of the signs point to it being a spectacularly devastating finish. And if I were to say that I’m ready, I’d be lying. But what I can say truthfully under the Dictator’s command, is that I’m so excited to see what Gillen and Hans have in store for us.

9.5 “Ships” out of 10

Enjoying Die? Check out BNP’s other reviews here.

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The post Die #16 Review appeared first on Black Nerd Problems.

http://nerdywithchildren.com/superhero-movies-for-kids-by-age-that-make-for-a-day-of-fun/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=superhero-movies-for-kids-by-age-that-make-for-a-day-of-fun

Introducing superhero movies to your kids doesn’t have to end when the credits roll. We’ve paired them with activities that are incredibly fun for the whole family.

When I was a boy, every Saturday morning began with Stan Lee. His voice-over introductions to the cartoon series The Incredible Hulk and Spider-Man and His Amazing Spider-Friends ushered me into a world of superhero wonder. That wonder had already started to build, thanks to syndicated reruns of the old Superfriends cartoon show, featuring the Justice League. 

Those shows instilled in me a love of superheroes, even when superheroes didn’t love me back. For every triumph like Spider-Man 2 and X-2, or Superman: The Movie and Batman (1989) before them, there was the 1990 straight-to-video Captain America movie, in which Steve Rogers wears rubber ears on the side of his mask and spends his time stealing cars, or the Nick Fury: Agent of Shield tv movie, starring David Hasselhoff as the eye-patch wearing special agent. But not even these missteps could keep me from my favorite heroes’ monthly comic book adventures, from watching The Shadow in theaters, and from rocking out to the theme music to the X-Men and Spider-Man animated series. 

Fortunately, by the time I became a father, superhero media had improved significantly. The comics were always good, but my kids have grown up not only watching the best shows from my youth (the Bruce Timm-created DC shows, such as Batman: The Animated Series, Superman: The Animated Series, and Justice League Unlimited) but also great modern superhero entertainment. If you get tuckered out of superhero movies make sure you check out our silent films for kids.

The most obvious of these are, of course, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and the DC Extended Universe (DCEU). Both of these franchises bring comic book greats Captain America, Spider-Man, Superman, and Batman to the big screen in a way that appeals to mainstream audiences. These movies make millions of dollars and are enjoyed by people of all ages, to say nothing of the merchandising they inspire. 

With all of those options, families have lots of options when it comes to superhero entertainment. But these wider options also mean that not everything is appropriate for every type of kid. Teens will likely be bored by the goofy adventure of StarDog and TurboCat, while young children will be traumatized by Zack Snyder’s moody four-hour Justice League epic. 

Overwhelmed? Well, have no fear, nerdy parent! For I am here, to help you become your kids’ favorite superhero.

For Ages 2 – 5

Scooby-Doo! and Batman: The Brave and the Bold (Not Rated)

They may be based on 1960s hippie vibes, but the groovy gang from Scooby-Doo remains a hit among young kids, and with good reason. Not only does it star a snack-loving talking dog, but Scooby-Doo teaches kids an important lesson: with a little bravery and critical thinking, even the scariest monster can be revealed to be an easily defeated grump. 
In this 2018 animated movie, Shaggy, Scooby, and the gang team up with Batman and the DC Universe heroes featured in the short-lived Batman: Brave and the Bold cartoon series. Where most Batman stories imagine the caped crusader as a brooding creature of the night, Brave and the Bold features a sillier version of the world’s greatest detective, voiced with gusto by Diedrich Bader. Guest-starring a bevy of lesser-known DC characters, including Plastic Man and The Question, Scooby-Doo! And Batman: The Brave and the Bold tells an appropriately zany mystery that will engage your youngest superhero fans while making sure everyone else is entertained.

Make a Day of It!

In The Brave and the Bold, Batman and Velma combine their detective powers to solve a mystery involving villains such as the Riddler and Clayface. Let your kid indulge their inner crime-buster by setting up a mystery. Leave little clues around the house that point to a villain they saw in the movie, such as pieces of playdough to indicate Clayface and puzzles potentially from the Riddler. Take photographs of the next clue’s location to help your child solve the mystery, leading them to a celebratory party, complete with Scooby-Snacks (or maybe graham crackers and goldfish crackers instead).

For Ages 6 – 12

Teen Titans Go! To the Movies! (Rated PG)

As much fun as superhero stories might be, they don’t always teach kids the best lessons. Not only do most superheroes solve their problems with their fists, but some take themselves way too seriously, stripping out the inherent fun of adventures involving characters in brightly colored costumes. 

That’s not the case for the Cartoon Network series Teen Titans Go!, which reimagines DC Comics’ premier team of teen sidekicks into a more relatable set of goofballs. When faced with a supervillain, these Titans worry more about their new theme song or pizza order than they do fighting the bad guy. 

This irreverent 2018 film focuses on team-leader Robin (Scott Menville) as he deals with his jealousy that even the most obscure comic character gets a movie before him, including Batman’s loyal butler Alfred. As his quest for fame tears him away from his teammates, they must also deal with the new villain Deathstroke (Will Arnett), who has his shady plans for the world’s heroes. 

With genuinely clever gags, catchy songs, and great animation, Teen Titans Go! To the Movies reminds kids that superheroes should be fun. 

Make a Day of It!

Behind all the jokes and tunes, Teen Titans Go! To the Movies is a superhero movie about superhero movies. It deals with the genre’s craziest excesses while celebrating the joy of being a fan. Your family can do the same by making your own goofy superhero movie. As the Teen Titans show, you don’t need a deep plot: just put some good guys and bad guys together and embrace the silliness that ensues. Your kids can either dress up as their favorite heroes from the Marvel and DC universes or they can create their own. Record the movies on your phone and use simple editing apps to put it all together and host your movie night. (And if you need inspiration, check out the delightful SuperHeroKids YouTube videos to see how it’s done). We’ve also listed the best TV shows for 7-year-olds that will be entertaining for the whole family.

For Ages 13 – 15

The Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (Rated PG-13)

In many ways, this is the definitive age for superhero movies. Not only are most of the entries in the genre rated PG-13, but they tend to suit early teen sensibilities, with straightforward morality and captivating action scenes. 

The immensely successful Marvel Cinematic Universe offers a wide variety of choices for the parents of teens, but the best bet may be The Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, directed by James Gunn. In this 2017 sequel, the titular team of space-faring heroes runs from the clutches of arrogant aliens called the Sovereign and meets the all-powerful Celestial Ego (Kurt Russell), who claims to be the long-lost father of Guardian Star-Lord (Chris Pratt). 

With some of the most vibrant visuals in the MCU, and unquestionably the best soundtrack, Guardians 2 is a wild and irreverent adventure. Parents may want to watch this movie in the dark so their kids don’t have to catch them blushing at a few off-color jokes. 
But for all its punk rock attitude, Guardians 2 is a story about family and maturity, as the team comes to realize the power of unconditional love and the ties that bind us together.

Make a Day of It!

Like its 2014 predecessor, The Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 features a killer soundtrack of 70s AM radio hits. More than just a glossy detail, these songs serve a plot and theme purpose, as the songs come from a series of tapes that Star-Lord’s late mother recorded for him. These “Awesome Mix” tapes give the movies a rocking backdrop and an emotional core. 

Your family can recreate these tapes by making their own Awesome Mixes for one another. Using a service like Spotify, your family members can create playlists for one another, collecting the songs with meaning or with messages you’d like to share. Or, if you want to follow the movie’s old-school spirit, consider getting a tape recorder and recording your mixtapes.

For Ages 16-18

Black Panther (2018, Rated PG-13)

Even as a life-long superhero fan, I can admit that most superhero movies are pretty silly. For all the fun they offer, most have pretty simplistic morality and do not seem interested in larger social questions. 

Black Panther breaks that mold. Directed by Ryan Coogler and starring the late, great Chadwick Boseman, Black Panther is 100% an MCU film. Not only does it connect to previous Marvel films, especially Captain America: Civil War, but it also offers grand action sequences involving superspies, spaceships, and an armored rhino army. 

But Black Panther has much more on its mind than just superhero intrigue. Set in the fictional African nation of Wakanda, a country whose vast supply of the super-metal Vibranium makes it the most advanced culture in the world, the movie takes seriously issues such as global racism. In a blistering performance, Michael B. Jordan plays the villain Erik Stevens aka Killmonger, the cousin of Boseman’s King T’Challa, who was abandoned by Wakanda to become a violent operative in the U.S. special forces. 

In Jordan’s hands, Killmonger is the rare supervillain who not only has an understandable motivation but raises good points, despite his destructive ways. In Boseman’s hands, Black Panther is the even more rare good guy who learns from his predecessor’s mistakes and joins with the people around him to be the best hero he can be. 

A film both challenging and entertaining, Black Panther will give your family an evening of both spectacle and thought. 

Make a Day of It!

Black Panther uses superhero tropes to tell a story about the costs of racism and the importance of learning from mistakes. It also introduces the world to a range of exciting characters from the comics, such as Winston Duke’s delightful leader M’Baku. 
Your family can continue the hard conversations Black Panther raises by taking a hard look at the stories from which superhero movies were born. Sign up for a comic book service such as DC Universe Infinite, Marvel Unlimited, or Comixology Unlimited and read some classic stories together. As you read, look for examples of positive role models found in these stories or occasional missteps made by creators. This activity can teach your children to be critical thinkers about the stories they love.

The post Superhero Movies For Kids By Age That Make For A Day of Fun appeared first on Nerdy With Children.